UPDATE: Raptors Sign John Lucas III (#258)

The Toronto Raptors are closing in on the signing of free-agent point guard John Lucas III, according to sources close to the process.

Sources told ESPN.com the sides are in advanced discussions to finalize the terms on a multiyear deal to add Lucas to a backcourt rotation that had already been strengthened earlier this month by the Raptors' acquisition of Kyle Lowry.

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One source said Wednesday the Chicago Bulls, who've employed Lucas for much of the past two seasons, were resigned to losing the 29-year-old.

With the Raptors and representatives for point guard Jose Calderon working together on trying to find a new home for Calderon via trade, as ESPN.com reported last week, Lucas has been targeted by the Raptors to potentially serve as Lowry's primary backup when Calderon -- who wants a fresh start -- moves on.

The Raptors, though, have insisted for weeks that they were unwilling to release Calderon via the amnesty clause and will now keep the Spaniard -- after the passing of Tuesday's 2012-13 amnesty deadline -- as he enters the final year of his contract (valued at $10.6 million) as a possible trade chip between now and the NBA's annual trade deadline in February.

After playing in Italy, Spain, China and the D-League, Lucas gained an NBA foothold over the past two seasons and had some big moments in the spring after the Bulls lost Derrick Rose to injury for long stretches.

Lucas scored 25 points against Washington in January in his first NBA start, then scored 24 points to spark the Bulls to a home win in March over eventual champions Miami with Rose sidelined by a groin ailment.

Do you guys think he'd be OK to back up Lowry if Jose is traded? I always thought he was a good enough PG to be a backup, but I haven't seen him play much

Hes definitely solid. His PER was through the roof when he first started to play when rose for injured. I think he's better than most if not all 3rd string pg's but I'm also not sure if I'd want him as our permanent backup.

I can't wait for the naysayers to bash the signing.... Even though the Bulls and HEAT both wanted him.

I am not sure about everyday backup though. From his gamelog he seemed to play alright when given opportunity. To be working this long to crack the NBA, I am going to assume high character guy much like Andersen. Major assumption on my part.

Depending on what the contract is for, I'm guessing 3rd stringer, not 2nd. I don't like his size especially since Lowry is already fairly short. I don't recall seeing him play so I cannot really comment on his play, but from what I see in this thread he'd make a decent 3rd stringer/backup - so I'm happy. That probably means the end of Uzoh... thanks for dropping a triple double when we needed a loss

I can't wait for the naysayers to bash the signing.... Even though the Bulls and HEAT both wanted him.

I am not sure about everyday backup though. From his gamelog he seemed to play alright when given opportunity. To be working this long to crack the NBA, I am going to assume high character guy much like Andersen. Major assumption on my part.

That looks to be the consensus. He could be the 2nd short term but no one seems to think he can be the everyday backup

Depending on what the contract is for, I'm guessing 3rd stringer, not 2nd. I don't like his size especially since Lowry is already fairly short. I don't recall seeing him play so I cannot really comment on his play, but from what I see in this thread he'd make a decent 3rd stringer/backup - so I'm happy. That probably means the end of Uzoh... thanks for dropping a triple double when we needed a loss

Lmao paybacks a bitch. That'll teach him to play well when we couldve gotten Harrison Barnes